Bill's Donuts

When it comes to donuts, I am definitely not picky!  One shop I cannot resist while in the Centerville area is Bill's Donut Shop. Where did this delicious idea begin?  In 1960, Bill and Faye Elam started the first shop in downtown Dayton. They also started to sell hot chocolate, tea, and brewed coffees.  The shop has moved numerous times with multiple locations.  In 1967, the shop was at Franklin and Main downtown.  The biggest issue with this location was the parking situation in that area of town.  This contributed to the move out of the city.

Want a donut and coffee at 3:30 am?  Bill's Donut Shop is open 24 hours a day, though this was not always the case.  As third shift became more popular with local businesses, Bill decided to extend hours. Late night workers at NCR sparked the start of third shift hours at the shop.  Before he committed to the new hours, Bill could be found giving out coffee and donuts to the workers at the back door before closing time. 

The current store front in Centerville

In the 1970s, you could get these donuts in Vandalia, Wilmington, Kettering, and Huber Heights.  As time went on, the family decided their efforts were best spent in one location and downsized. The shop moved for good in 1979 to Centerville on Main Street.  Bill and Faye sold the business to Lisa and Jim Elam, two of their children, in 1995.  Bill passed away Monday August 16, 2010, but his family has committed to keeping the business going.  

Faye with two of her children, Lisa and Jim

If you have not tried Bill's, make it a point to stop by the next time you're in the Centerville area.  While you're there, remember my favorite is the Chocolate Covered Custard! :)

Sources:

http://billsdonutshop.com/history/

http://cmhgourmand.com/2011/01/18/bills-donut-shop-centerville-the-ohio-donut-trail/

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dayton/obituary.aspx?n=Bill-Elam&pid=144771772